What Not To Do After Rhinoplasty
The nose’s shape, proportions, or size are changed during rhinoplasty surgery in Newport Beach to accomplish breathing functionality or cosmetic goals. Dr. George Brennan of Newport Beach, CA, is a skilled rhinoplasty surgeon in Orange County who can alter the structure of bone, cartilage, and skin in the nasal area during the procedure. It’s crucial to be honest about your expectations so your surgeon can plan the treatment, considering the benefits you hope rhinoplasty will bring. All surgeons, including those at Dr. George Brennan Cosmetic Surgeon, will consult with the patient and go through the operation in detail before approving it. This article explains what to expect after surgery and what you shouldn’t do after a rhinoplasty in Newport Beach if you want to complete the procedure.
What To Expect After Surgery
Rhinoplasty Orange County typically takes less than one hour to complete in Dr. Brennan’s office and is done under general anesthesia or Twilight. All patients are allowed to leave for home on the day of the procedure. The plastic surgeon will give you a list of medications to take for pain relief, infection prevention, and general healing success. Additionally, you’ll receive instructions you must follow as you recover.
Following your nose job surgery in Orange County, you’ll need to rest in bed with your head higher than your chest to reduce swelling and bleeding. Most people develop nasal congestion due to swelling or the splints placed into the nose during surgery. Before the surgeon removes the internal splint and dressings, the internal splint will be removed the morning after, but the external splint must be left in place for roughly seven days.
Things Not To Do After Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a standard cosmetic procedure to reshape the nose. After the surgery, following your surgeon’s instructions is essential to ensure the best possible outcome and avoid complications. Here are some things you should avoid after rhinoplasty:
1. Intensive Activities
One of the most important things to remember after undergoing rhinoplasty Orange County CA is to avoid intensive physical activities. This is because engaging in intense exercise or other physically demanding activities too soon after surgery can cause several problems, including bleeding, swelling, and damage to the nasal tissues.
Following your doctor’s guidelines on when it is safe to resume regular physical activity is essential. Still, avoiding intensive activities for at least 2-4 weeks following surgery is generally recommended. You should stick to light activities like bending, walking, and gentle stretching during this time.
Strenuous exercise, such as running, weightlifting, or playing contact sports, should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery. Even after this time period, it is still important to gradually build up your physical activity level as your body continues to heal and recover from the procedure.
Additionally, avoid activities that put direct pressure on the nose is necessary, such as diving, climbing, and horseback riding. These activities can cause trauma to the nose and disrupt the healing process, leading to complications such as infection, scarring, and disfigurement.
Avoiding activities that expose the nose to extreme temperatures, such as hot yoga or hot sauna steam rooms, is also essential. These environments can cause the blood vessels in the nose to dilate, leading to increased swelling and discomfort.
Engaging in intensive physical activities too soon after rhinoplasty can cause many problems and disrupt the healing process. Following your doctor’s guidelines and avoiding intensive activities for several weeks after your procedure is essential to ensure the best possible outcome from your surgery. This will help you to recover properly and avoid any potential complications.
2. Sexual Activity
Although it might sound strange, most Newport Beach rhinoplasty surgeons recommend avoiding sexual activity for at least a week to 10 days after rhinoplasty surgery. This is because sexual activity, especially any activities that involve heavy physical exertion, can cause increased blood flow to the face and nose, leading to increased swelling and discomfort. Additionally, engaging in sexual activity too soon after surgery can cause nose trauma and disrupt the healing process.
3. Nose Blowing
When you develop a cold, allergy, or even the flu virus, you may need to itch, sneeze, or blow your nose. You’ll need to constantly wash your hands and keep away from individuals who may be ill since this can be pretty risky for people who have just had a rhinoplasty. Carrying hand sanitizer to eliminate germs within their immediate environment makes some patients feel more at ease. Take good care of yourself to avoid getting sick in the first few weeks after healing.
4. Taking a Shower
Showering after rhinoplasty in Orange County is typically permitted, but following your surgeon’s instructions is essential to ensure proper healing. It is generally advised to wait a few days after surgery before taking a shower to allow the incisions to heal and avoid the risk of infection. When you shower, avoid getting water directly on the nose, as this can disrupt the healing process. It’s best to gently pat the nose dry after showering to avoid irritation. In addition, you should avoid using steamed hot water, which can cause increased swelling and discomfort. It’s also important to avoid using soap or any other products directly on the nose, as these can cause irritation and disrupt the healing process. Generally, it’s best to take gentle, lukewarm showers and avoid any activities that could cause discomfort or pressure to the nose. Following these guidelines can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery from rhinoplasty. Our office tells patients to resume HADS (Hygiene, Activity, Diet, and Sleep) the morning after surgery.
5. Wearing Glasses
During your recovery from Orange County rhinoplasty, you’ll need to take off your glasses if you wear them. Glasses can harm the sensitive tissue and cartilage on the bridge of the nose where they rest. If required, think about experimenting with contact lenses for a while. As an alternative, our office gives our patients a little splint that they can wear under their glasses so that the patient can wear glasses the very day after the surgery.
6. Sun Exposure
Do you feel the need to get some sun? Well, not after you’ve had surgery to reshape your nose. Your nose is still delicate, so exposing it to the sun could cause discoloration or raise your chance of developing specific issues even after removing the bandages. Wear a hat and broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your surgical site from heat and sun damage while recovering. Reasonable sun exposure will be okay after about a week after the surgery.
7. Drinking Alcohol or Smoking
Newport Beach cosmetic surgeons typically see drinking and smoking as high-risk behaviors for patients recovering from surgery. Cigarette nicotine has a reputation for limiting blood flow and impeding effective healing. Alcohol, on the other hand, alters the way that drugs work and thins the blood, both of which can cause excessive bleeding. Therefore, avoid alcohol for the first week; it might be a good time to stop smoking altogether.
8. Nose Hitting, Touching, Or Bumping
You’ll be curious about how your new nose looks after nose job surgery, but it’s not a great idea to touch, press on, or poke it. Especially the scab on the area around the incisions. In addition to the fact that it will hurt, you risk misaligning the bones, altering the cartilage, or otherwise ruining your procedure. Avoid these things to protect the nasal shape from contact:
- any type of physical contact sport, especially one with a significant impact
- Playing catch-and-throw or engaging in other activities where anything can touch your face
- Put your clothing on backward. Instead, wear pajamas and shirts with button-fronts.
- lifting or carrying objects
- , rough activity with pets or children
Avoid anything that could hurt your nose by keeping it safe and protected. Accidents do, of course, occur from time to time. If you experience any issues following your rhinoplasty surgery, consult Dr. Brennan to see how you can undo the harm or schedule a revision rhinoplasty treatment.
9. Wearing Makeup
Some patients, particularly women, may feel they must cover up any bruising around their nose and eyes with makeup. Some rhinoplasty surgeons say you should avoid touching your makeup bag during the first several weeks following your rhinoplasty to give your nose time to heal. Applying makeup to healing skin increases your risk of complications and infections. However, Dr. George Brennan thinks putting on makeup the day after the surgery is acceptable.
10. Lying Flat
For some people, lying flat on their back could be relaxing, but it’s risky for people with nose jobs. The blood flow towards the nose and face will be boosted when the head is on the same level as the heart. This may promote excessive bleeding, swelling of tissues, and much more pain. What is the ideal position? Sleep on a recliner at an angle or raise your head and lie down on a pillow. Dr. Brennan advises doing this for one week, and then the patient should be okay to lie flat after that.
11. Eating the Wrong Foods
Last but not least, we advise all patients to watch what they consume after a nose job. We specifically advise avoiding foods that are chewy or hard.
Why is this such a big deal? Simple: You should avoid unnecessary facial movement when recovering from rhinoplasty. Additionally, chewing on hard, harsh, or crunchy foods usually involves using a lot of facial muscles.
Avoid eating raw vegetables, such as carrots, steer clear of steaks, and fight the impulse to chew gum. If you can resume eating relatively normally again, your Orange County cosmetic surgeon will inform you.
Dr. Brennan’s office states that his patients can resume their regular diet the day after the procedure but advise low salt to prevent swelling so the patient won’t retain water.
Your Rhinoplasty Recovery Process
You will be given care sheets and pain medications to take home after your rhinoplasty operation. You’ll also require a friend or member of your family to serve as your driver for the day. After the anesthetics wear off, you’ll probably feel sleepy, tired, and possibly nauseous or dizzy. Don’t forget to take your prescription painkillers on schedule throughout this period. Remember that your body needs relaxation and rest to heal, so avoid causing stress by becoming uncomfortable or perhaps in pain.
Throughout the first several days following your rehabilitation, get plenty of sleep. Your body will be able to heal properly as a result. Expect to feel tightness and swelling, redness and bruising, and pain. Contact our office for advice if any of these symptoms alter, worsen unexpectedly, or start worrying you. Just adhere to Dr. Brennan’s instructions for the greatest possible healing outcomes. By avoiding those following things, you can help to guarantee that your nose feels and looks its best.
How to Avoid Scar Tissue Following Nose Surgery
To ensure the best results and minimize the risk of scar tissue formation following rhinoplasty, it’s crucial to adhere to specific post-operative precautions. Firstly, applying a cold compress to the nose is essential in reducing swelling and inflammation. It’s equally important to avoid activities that could introduce water into the nostrils, such as swimming or taking baths, for a few weeks after surgery to prevent infection. Sneezing or coughing with force can strain the incision sites, disrupting the healing process; it should be avoided if possible.
Adhering to your doctor’s post-operative care instructions, including any prescribed medications, is vital for promoting healing and avoiding complications. Strenuous exercises or any activities that pose a risk of injury to the nose must be postponed during the recovery period. Keeping health concerns or conditions in mind and communicating them to your doctor can also influence your recovery. Further precautions involve avoiding direct sunlight on the incision site by wearing sunscreen or a hat and practicing recommended mouth care and hygiene steps. By conscientiously following these guidelines, you effectively safeguard your health and ensure the success of your nose surgery.
Why Post-Rhinoplasty Care is So Important
Understanding the importance of post-rhinoplasty care is crucial for anyone undergoing this cosmetic procedure. The effects of neglecting proper aftercare can be significant, leading to complications such as bleeding, swelling, infection, scarring, and even disfigurement. It’s vital to recognize the signs of inadequate care, including increased swelling, discomfort, pain, bruising, redness, or the emergence of other symptoms that deviate from the expected healing process.
The tips for adhering to post-rhinoplasty care are comprehensive and designed to ensure optimal recovery. These include avoiding intensive activities, sexual activity, nose blowing, taking showers (in a way that water does not directly hit the face), wearing glasses that rest on the nose, exposure to the sun, consumption of alcohol or smoking, any form of nose hitting or touching, application of makeup, lying flat, and consuming hard or chewy foods. The reasons for these guidelines are clear: to guarantee proper healing, minimize potential complications, and secure the best possible outcome from your surgery. The types of care recommended involve:
- Resting in bed with the head elevated.
- Steering clear of physical exertions.
- Avoid direct pressure on the nose.
- Evading extreme temperature fluctuations and following dietary recommendations to prevent issues during the healing process.
By following these carefully outlined steps, rhinoplasty patients can significantly improve their recovery experience and enjoy the results of their surgery.
Conclusion
Here are a few recommendations that fully address what to avoid following rhinoplasty in Newport Beach CA. You should take it easy and get plenty of sleep the first few days following rhinoplasty surgery, and it ensures a quicker recovery by accelerating the recovery process without constraints.
Expect some bruising, swelling, and redness around the nasal area where the cast is applied or where the operation has been performed. You might even have a little pain or discomfort, but if any of these symptoms intensify or become intolerable, call our office immediately.
There isn’t much to worry about following a rhinoplasty if you follow Dr. Brennan’s aftercare instructions, as it is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures today.
It is a fantastic technique to improve facial appearance or to get rid of breathing or nasal problems that have been lowering your life’s quality.
FAQs
Q: What activities should be avoided immediately after rhinoplasty?
A: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercises that increase blood pressure for at least two weeks post-surgery. This helps prevent bleeding and swelling. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines on activity restrictions.
Q: Why should you avoid blowing your nose after rhinoplasty?
A: Blowing your nose can disrupt the healing process and may cause bleeding or damage to the surgical site. Instead, use saline sprays to clear your nasal passages gently. Consult your surgeon for the appropriate time to resume normal nasal activities.
Q: Can sun exposure affect your recovery from rhinoplasty?
A: Yes, direct sun exposure can cause the skin to swell and darken scars, hindering the healing process. It’s essential to protect your nose from the sun by wearing a hat and using sunscreen once your surgeon approves. Avoid prolonged sun exposure during the initial healing period.
Q: Are there dietary restrictions to follow after rhinoplasty?
A: Yes, it is advisable to avoid foods that are hard to chew or that can cause excessive mouth movement. Stick to soft foods like soups, smoothies, and mashed vegetables. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet supports the healing process.
Q: Why is it important to avoid wearing glasses after rhinoplasty?
A: Wearing glasses can put pressure on the nasal bridge, potentially altering the shape of the healing nose or causing indentations. Use contact lenses or specially designed glasses support until your surgeon gives you clearance to wear regular glasses again. Follow your surgeon’s advice on the duration of this restriction.
Consult With Dr. George Brennan For The Procedure
Getting ready for rhinoplasty in Orange County California could be nerve-wracking, similar to any other operation. But having faith in your decision to pick the best cosmetic surgeon in Orange County can put you at ease. Dr. George Brennan has over 40 years of expertise and knowledge and performs facial plastic surgery. As a renowned expert on rhinoplasty, Dr. Brennan has regularly been asked to present his unique methods to his peers at national conferences on facial plastic surgery.
For more information and questions to find out more about the Newport Beach rhinoplasty surgery, schedule an appointment or consultation with us, or contact us at (949) 644-1641.